This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 43 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Boston Weekly Globe
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Feb 19, 1884
Page
1
Reports from CrycrxnatTI detail a monumental flood in Arkansas with hundreds of families displaced. Houses washed away or damaged in mass flooding, with factories and infrastructure hit hard. Newport and surrounding areas report extensive damage, while relief funds rise and vigilance against theft grows as communities brace for prolonged recovery.
Captain Calhoun describes a week on the muddy Ohio river voyage from Cincinnati to Wheeling. He recalls a desolate scene with destroyed homes, floating debris, and yellow slime coating structures. At Cochransville fifty miles from Wheeling only three houses remain, with many towns nearly washed away.
A Globe correspondent describes devastating floods from Wheeling to Parkersburg, detailing New Martinsville’s vigilance on a roof cannon, Cochransville’s loss of buildings, Marietta’s submerged streets and bridges, and widespread destruction. About 1200 houses wrecked between Wheeling and Parkersburg with no deaths reported in Clarington Barnesville Sisterville and Owatan.
Cincinnati reports a disastrous early morning blaze at Robert Kyle's boarding house at Pearl and Ludlow. The structure collapsed at four, triggering a rapid blaze that consumed the upper floors while four other nearby houses risked collapse in the flooded district. Ten people are feared dead as the fire spreads through the ruins. Fire crews battle flames amid heavy damage and ominous smoke.
A Parkerburg dispatch reports Iron City and Pittsburg relief boats aiding Harmer opposite Marietta as Marietta remains two thirds underwater. Cochransville bears ruin with only three of 100 houses standing and residents starving. Bodies and coffins drift in a flooded graveyard while women and children endure cold barefoot and prayerful wait for aid.
The President signed a $200000 relief appropriation. Secretary Lincoln will extend relief systems and increase mayoral expenditures, teaming with more relief organizations in flooded areas. Expeditions authorized today carry rations for up to 25000 people and cooked food where fuel is unavailable. Telegrams from across the flood region praise War Department action.
A compilation of humorous flood anecdotes from Cincinnati newspaper clippings dated during the inundation era. The notes capture scenes and reactions not present in telegraphic reports, offering a human view of the flood’s impact across the city.
A noon sighting reported a sizable house floating along the river with a man a woman and three children seated on the roof in chairs. Boatmen offered help at Storrs Station but the occupants, evidently farmers, refused aid and did not appear distressed, choosing to ride out the danger aboard their moving shelter.
River presented a singular appearance with a center at least three feet higher than the banks, drift rushing downstream. Among debris were three houses, one with a cat on the roof riding toward the gulf as waters flow south and north.
A historical note describes an old coffin found among various floating craft in commission. It seems to have served as an outdoor sign and was used as a skiff propelled by an average boy, illustrating thrift and ingenuity in nautical craft.
Distressing flood reports from the lower Ohio describe depths of twelve feet in Caseyville streets, submerged warehouses, and stores. Hotel Hust bell floats at Ford's Ferry while schools churches and mills lie underwater. Residents abandon homes, camp on bluffs, and flee toward Smithland as floodwaters span miles on the Tennessee river bottoms.
The White river overflow at Newport Arkansas is the greatest on record and still rising. Jacksonport communication cut off. About 100 families lodging in the courthouse at Jacksonport with many more displaced. Newport Academy crowded with sufferers as Iron Mountain levee threatens collapse. Business suspended and water may rise two more feet if the levee breaks. At Foton Arkansas the Red river rises half an inch hourly and the region becomes a vast flood with dead and drifting cattle noted.
Lancaster Pennsylvania February 14 Sunday John Schwartz was sent to the hospital with smallpox. His wife, regarded as simple minded, escaped from the hospital twice leaping from a second story window. She wandered the streets, read a Bible in a garret, pleaded not to be burned and tried to sleep with a neighbor as police pursued.
Washington reports London dispatch claiming Prince Bismarck ordered a House resolution of condolence to Herr Lasker be returned from Berlin. Officials deny, noting no official action. California Senator Miller and Senator Morgan condemn the move as rude or barbarous if true.
London reports state department ignorance about Prince Bismarck’s return and Lasker resolutions. Despatches from Berlin show liberal criticism, calling the action insulting to America and urging no pass for it. Deputy Ricker praises the dead statesman at a Tradesmen’s Society meeting with flags and flowers.
The Fort Worth Gazette notes Bowie enjoys a robust bank system and ample school and religious facilities. It observes young men of the town as blushing and bashful in this eventful leap year, reflecting small town charm and social pace.
Rhode Island court rules that Credit Mobilier trustees remain liable for full fund amounts. Hazard acted as receiver, not stockholder, limiting his authority. Demurrer on second bill sustained. trustees may be pursued for their shares if any one faces judgment. The court allowed service on absent co trustees and upheld jurisdiction despite residency shifts.
Washington February 16. Documents from official and other sources will be presented to the House committee on agriculture regarding hog cholera. The disease is traced to a minute organism within hogs and is linked to losses across states, with cases in 1878 North Carolina totaling over 260000 hogs. Researchers from Cornell, Chicago, and Asheville report origins in Europe and importation via high-bred hogs, but agree the disease can be stamped out.
Albany February 18. A curious bill ordered to a third reading authorizes Willard asylum trustees to buy adjoining land from the Simpson farm at not more than 875 an acre. Funds to come from bones hides and pelts sales by the asylum steward. Critics fear possible Tewksbury parallels and call for scrutiny of the bill’s phrasing and asylum affairs.
In Windham county CT cats fell ill with a feverish distemper called cat epizootic. Many died including three Maltese in Putnam. Hartford and Tolland counties reported cases. Disease spread then vanished with warmer weather and no new cases appeared. Over 100 cats reportedly died in Windham county.
The will of the late Thos Kinsella was offered for probate in New York on February 15. It directs that his estate including ten Eagle Association shares be divided equally among his five daughters. Real estate and shares are not to be sold unless executors deem it desirable. The first wife receives 1500 a year and the second wife may live in the Valley Stream residence for life or until she remarries, plus 1600 a year in lieu of offset proofs.
General Gordon issues a Khartoum proclamation recognizing El Mahdi as Sultan of Kordofan and offering tax relief while not opposing slave trade. The Egyptian army is to be disbanded as rebels bombard Tokar and threat looms around Suakin. Mahdi fears assassination prompting a guard, while Christian missionaries suffer dire conditions and some priests convert. Insurrection spreads in southwestern Arabia as Yemeni authorities request reinforcements to quell growing revolt against Turkish rule.
Ys London reports a large mass meeting at Prince's Hall Prewdilly denouncing government Egyptian policy with overflow turnout in St. James' square. Baron Borthwick chaired. Sir Robert Peel and Lord Randolph Churchill attended. Churchill decried Gladstone as Sinkal Gladstone. Peel's resolution claimed Parliament no longer reflects the people and should be dissolved amidst uproar.
A small body of Egyptian soldiers today personally presented to the Khedive a petition protesting against the rumored intention of the government to act. The message was delivered in the name of the entire army, signaling unified opposition.
Report from Rome dated February 17 describes an attack on railway guards returning from a hunt near Pisa. Four assailants fired on carabineers. the guards returned fire, wounding the attackers but capturing none. An explosive device with a burning fuse was later found on the track.
Paris reports that Bey of Tunis authorizes M Roudaire to convert part of Sahara into an inland sea. Roudaire, a French cavalry officer, has long studied hydrography and proposed digging through dunes to join sea and desert. The plan, once backed by France with 10,000 francs, sparked debates as surveys continued and opinions divided.
The letter recalls a man who was badly wounded and spent months in hospital. Upon release he learned his wife was dead, found she had left no trace of her whereabouts, and has mourned her since. The correspondence reveals they still love each other, though Gill remains alive.
BalTimore Md February 15 A raid by an oyster navy against Fishing bay proved inglorious as pirates fled and no vessels were captured. A local oysterman’s family feud with Captain Tusley sparked misrepresentations. A mass meeting of oyster packers discussed protecting beds, urging naval action and earlier season closure to safeguard Potomac beds.
Reports from Rome describe a powerful cyclone crossing the northwest Georgia area. It toppled trees and buildings, destroyed a colored Methodist Church at Jonesboro, and left about 1500 people homeless with an estimated $100,000 in losses. Two children died in a cabin collapse and a farmer named Greene suffered a severe head injury.
The coming world's fair prompts giant layouts in New Orleans with Mexico dedicating 160 000 square feet for exhibits and a Mexican garden plus troops as authorities plan vast space. The United States plans a possible special building for federal and state displays while Latin American exhibits await final arrangements. Local groups in the South push for large appropriations and broader regional involvement.
Chicago February 18 Great consternation among local Republicans as the national convention planned for June 4 cannot be held at the exposition building due to a six month old contract with the National Musical Festival Association. The association holds the building until June 6, blocking use unless paid off or an agreement is reached to share space. Republicans may need to buy off the association or relocate to the same area with existing setups.
A rain storm in Texas intensified into a tornado at Waco on Tuesday. Buildings and fences were demolished including Dr Burlesons residence and the Horn House with occupants escaping injury. Waco University dormitory and railways suffered damage as stock losses mounted and sections of the International railway were washed out. Communication was cut off except by wire.
Edward L Mumford a 36 year old Providence man living with his mother and sister is alleged to be about 3000 short in his accounts with Cornell Co Providence where he has long served as travelling salesman He has confessed to the shortages and shows no wish to repay He did not gamble or drink and says he spent the money on family support and expensive watches The case has caused a society sensation and prosecution is not expected
Two boys about 16 named Walter Rooke and Chauncey Ruby were arrested after arriving from the West on the Grand Trunk Atlantic express. Three loaded revolvers, ammunition, a copy of The Adventures and Exploits of Frank and Jesse James, and stolen money were found. a Berlin confederate was also arrested.
Washington February 15. A telegraph report claimed the Nicaragua canal enterprise was abandoned but this is denied by interested parties. Negotiations with capitalists for private subscription suggest progress, with potential work on the isthmus to begin soon if negotiations succeed. The Nicaraguan concession requires certain work by October 1, 1884 and may grant future rights. House bill to incorporate and guarantee 3 percent interest for twenty years is in committee with no clear path to passage. The concessionaires prefer direct negotiations with the United States, but Congress has shown little disposition to act, leaving private interests to proceed if needed.
In Worthington Minnesota two days after John Adler died his male and female kin fought over his estate. The coffin was overturned and a sleeping child was injured as crucifix and candles flew about. A separate report from Adrian notes 15 year old Riley killed his father, aided by a 13 year old girl, dragging the body to a straw stack after a gunshot wound.
Representative Cassidy forwarded Eli Johnson’s request for a pension for a California cavalry veteran. The pensions office found Eli’s widow had already received a pension but remarried to Gill of Ohio. An investigation confirmed the widow mourned a presumed death and claimed the pension as his widow before marrying Gill. Eli Johnson had been left in unclear circumstances.
Rev Mr Hinman, famed plaintiff against Bishop Hare, marries Mary Merricks a Santee Sioux woman of mixed birth. The ceremony was at the Mead House in Springfield with Rev Charles Secombe officiating. The bride has a rich uncle in St Paul and is heir to a portion of the Santee reservation plus a government rations legacy.
William Duel aged 88 years and weighing 360 pounds died in Lansingburg yesterday. He was the largest man in the county.
In Baltimore on February 18 the Orphans Court heard claims from Mrs Wilhelmina Gechter formerly Mrs Wilhelmina Weasels seeking control of Jol Geechters large estate after his death October 16 1885. Geechter and Gechter had a troubled marriage amid divorces and remarriage events tied to a prior wife. Geechter died the day after their marriage and the divorce notice timing rendered the union invalid. Geechters brothers sue for the estate as Mrs Gechter vows further action.
A Scottish Canadian land and settlement association is formed with capital of 250000 to settle 600000 acres in southern Manitoba Assiniboine. Key backers include the Earl of Mar and Kellie Sir Reginald Cathcart Hon D A Smith George Stephen and Alexander Allan. The group aims to acquire land for resale and provide advances to settlers up to 100 per homestead under the 30th section of the Canadian Dominion land act of 1883. Most settlers will be Scotch crofters from Lady Cathcart's estate in Scotland.
The Cannon Ball Express from Chicago derailed near Greene Iowa after hitting a broken rail. A baggage car and two coaches overturned, injuring 40 passengers in total. A family of Dana with five children and a 9 year old boy were hurt. a girl died. Cars caught fire but flames were snuffed by snow.
A Polish woman applied at the Chicopee town clerk for a three years marriage license saying she has a husband in the old country who will not join her, and she seeks marriage here to complete the arrangement.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.